America is a culturally and religiously diverse country. Islam is one of the fastest growing religions in the United States. A follower of Islam is called a Muslim. The Muslim population is currently estimated to be between 5 and 12 million in the United States. Approximately one-third of the population are African-Americans, another third are originally from the Indian subcontinent, including Pakistan, India and Bangladesh, and the last third are Arab immigrants, Latinos, other European and Caucasian Muslims, and converts to Islam. Since Islam allows the individual to determine how to practice his or her religion, there are personal and cultural variations. Therefore, it is important for health care providers to consult with the patient about his or her religious observance. There are various illnesses and diseases prevalent among American Muslims due to genetic and lifestyle causes. Increased weight gain has been attributed to the month-long fasting during Ramadan due to overindulgence and eating unhealthy foods at the evening meal (iftar). Furthermore, obesity is linked to diabetes, heart disease, cancer, anxiety, and depression. The greatest mental health issue among American Muslims is adjustment disorder related to racial profiling since the attack on the World Trade Center. …show more content…
They are acquired from Islamic religious texts, Islamic worship practices, and folk practices passed down through cultural or ethnic heritage. The Quran is not a text book of medicine, but it is considered the literal word of God and is used as a guideline for prayer and healing. The Quran specifically mentions the use of black seed, honey, olive oil and hijama. Black seed is known as a cure for everything but death. Honey is used as a remedy for every illness. Olive oil is beneficial to the hair and skin. And hijama, or wet cupping, is practiced to ease or alleviate an ache or